I. The manner of this cry. In form it is obviously and intensely peculiar. When the awakener utters such a piercing cry you may conclude that the sleep of the sleeper is deep. The two elements multiplied into each other which swell into a peal so loud, are the mercy that glows in the warner's breast, and the danger to which the sleeper lies exposed. The earth itself all the creatures on it under man have a quick ear for their Maker's voice, and never needing, never get a call so urgent. The alacrity of the creatures that lie either above or beneath him in the scale of creation brings out in higher relief the disobedience of man. The mystery of God's mercy to man is, we know, one thing into which unfallen angels desire to look; the mystery of man's heedlessness of God must be another. Angels, our elder brothers, must wonder both at our deep sleep and at God's long, loud, awakening cry. Both mysteries lie beyond their view.
II. The matter of this cry. (1) The speaker is the only living and true God. (2) The thing spoken is the word of the Lord. (a) The word of the Lord lies in the Scriptures; (b) the word of the Lord in the Scriptures is mercy; (c) the word of the Lord is Christ. (3) The injunction to regard that word: "O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord." The Eternal Word has come into the world to show us the Father, "Hear ye Him."
III. Several aspects of this shrill warning cry remain for consideration. (1) The earth so summoned, has already, in a sense most interesting and important, heard the word of the Lord. Christ's Kingdom is even now more powerful on the earth than any other kingdom. (2) The earth through all its bounds will one day hear and obey the word of the Lord. (3) When the earth hears its Lord's word forthwith it calls upon the Lord. (4) Earth that is, men in the body should hear the word of the Lord, for to them it brings a message of mercy. (5) Earth the dust of the dead in Christ shall hear the word of the Lord, and shall come forth.
W. Arnot, Roots and Fruits of the Christian Life,p. 198.
Reference: Jeremiah 22:29. G. Brooks, Outlines of Sermons,p. 151.